So, you’re from Natchez…

Since moving to Nashville a little over 13 months ago, I have heard that phrase more than once.

I think about my hometown more than you know and what’s interesting — and entertaining — is how often people from Natchez cross my path. The general manager at the Residence Inn in Brentwood, Tenn., where I stayed while looking for a home in the Music City. He and I became real tight seeing that he graduated from South Natchez in 1987. The optometrist assistant that fit me for specs this past April, yeah, she’s from Natchez, too. Crazy enough, just last week, the bell hop at a hotel in Naples, Fla., commented on my obnoxious Ole Miss belt and asked me if I was from Mississippi to which I said yes and with much pride, I went deeper and said, I’m from Natchez. Yes, he grew up there as well. Lastly, I live in a Neighborhood called Old Natchez. Out of all of the places to buy a house in the insane Nashville Real Estate market, how did I end up … back in Natchez?

My hometown is a special place that I will always be proud to call home. People create the vibe of a town and there is plenty of vibe to go around but to me, Natchez displays much more. If Natchez were a gumbo, the people would be the roux and the Trinity would be all the beautiful places of worship in our historic downtown. Next would be a dash of the Malt Shop, the original Cock of the Walk, the Side Track and the Landing.  Once simmering, don’t be afraid to shake some Pearl Street Pasta, Home Bakery, Corner Bar, Scrooges, Doug’s, Bojangles and the Chili Parlor into the deal.  Oh, and I wouldn’t stop there. A shot of Belmont Shake shop, Mammies and of course, Local Color would really move the needle. If you want to take it completely to the next level, you shake as much of that Under the Hill Saloon as you can find, and I promise you, the taste will never leave you. It damn sure hasn’t left my pallet.

So I digress … I love Natchez.

But humor me if you will with my gumbo analogy.  Whether you like a dark or light roux, seafood or sausage, okra or no okra, heavy fil’e or light, the base is always the same. On Sunday, Aug. 20, at The Castle Restaurant, the 11th annual St. Jude benefit dinner and auction will take place.

This event has been made possible of a core group, a base if you will,  of businesses, out of town guests, talented employees and most importantly, Miss-Lou citizens — our own little pot of gumbo.

It is truly one of the most impressive displays of giving you will ever see.

Over the past 10 years, this one event has raised more than $225,000 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

John Holyoak and his staff give their time and talents and provide the canvas for a fantastic benefit dinner.

Those interested, please contact The Castle Restaurant for more information.

Forever in my heart, my hometown, Natchez.
Duncan Wray Eidt is a Natchez native and resident of Nashville, Tenn.